BRATISLAVA, LITTLE CARPATHIAN WINE ROUTE, FATRA, TATRAS, UNESCO SITES

I travel to Slovakia often and gladly. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for its folk culture, wild nature, and delicious cuisine (‘halušky’ and ‘lokše’ are to die for!), and the Slovaks themselves – their sense of humour and hospitality are second to none.

It is a country of many colours and tastes. I organise hiking trips for groups to explore the local natural and cultural sites. Personally, I fell in love with the northern part which is home to not only the globally renowned mountain destinations of the Low and High Tatras, but also other gems like Spiš Castle (UNESCO), the town of Levoča with the magnificent Gothic altar of Master Paul (UNESCO), a number of spectacular caves including Dämenovská and Dopšinská (UNESCO), a living open-air museum, and the traditional mountain village of Vlkolínec (UNESCO). All this can be found in a small area with short driving distances!

Bratislava, the capital, is another frequent destination of my travels. I always look forward to a good cup of coffee and an ice cream sundae at the UFO observation deck with its prime views of Bratislava Castle and the Danube. As a lover of good wine, I also organise group visits to winemakers on the Small Carpathian Wine Route (Svätý Jur, Pezinok, Modrá). Evenings spent in centuries-old wine cellars with excellent wine, good food, and a nice chat with a friendly local winemaker provide for an unforgettable experience.